Thor and Prometheus sequels to be filmed in Australia

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-34600450

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Two Hollywood blockbuster sequels will be filmed in Australia with the backing of A$47m ($34m; £22m) in federal funds.

Speaking in Canberra, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the filming of the next Thor and Alien movies would inject A$300m into the economy.

She said it would also give a significant boost to tourism.

Australian actor Chris Hemsworth made an appearance in a pre-recorded video message, where he confirmed his role in the next Thor film.

Although the exact locations are yet to be confirmed, filming on Marvel Comic's Thor: Ragnarok is expected to begin next year.

Federal Arts Minister Mitch Fifield said Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull had taken a minute-by-minute interest in the project.

Mr Turnbull made headlines when he snapped a selfie with Hemsworth during the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne earlier this month.

It was accompanied by the caption: "Good to meet Chris Hemsworth today - talked about the contribution of the creative sector to our economy. But a bit weird he insisted on me calling him Thor."

The Alien film will be the sixth in Ridley Scott's series. It is expected to be a sequel to his 2012 movie Prometheus.

Ms Bishop has said the recent production of Pirates of the Caribbean, on the Gold Coast, saw $160m flow into the Australian economy, and created 2,600 jobs.